World Obesity Day
Check out our March blog and today is World Obesity Day! Let’s dive into why bariatric surgery is still the gold standard for treatment of the global health issue of obesity. The most recent medications in the treatment of obesity are GLP-1 agonist medications. GLP-1 AGONIST MEDICATIONS: OZEMPIC, WEGOVY, AND MOUNJARO
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists were initially developed as a treatment for non-insulin-dependent diabetes. However, recent studies have demonstrated their potential in weight management.
OZEMPIC & WEGOVY (SEMAGLUTIDE)-Both are a once-weekly injectable medication containing the active ingredient semaglutide. It was initially designed to treat type 2 diabetes but has gained FDA approval for weight management under the brand name Wegovy. Ozempic has shown impressive results in clinical trials, with participants losing an average of 14.6% -15% of their initial body weight or 33.7 lbs per patient. MOUNJARO (TIRZEPATIDE)-Mounjaro is another GLP-1 receptor agonist currently under investigation for its potential in weight loss.
BARIATRIC SURGERY: SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY AND GASTRIC BYPASS
Bariatric surgery, which includes sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, is considered the gold standard for obesity treatment. These surgical procedures have demonstrated significant weight loss results and numerous health benefits for patients. Sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a portion of the stomach and hunger producing hormones, which results in significant weight loss. On average, patients who undergo sleeve gastrectomy experience a total reduction of 20-30% of their initial body weight. Gastric bypass is another common bariatric surgery that involves creating a small stomach pouch and rerouting the small intestine to bypass a portion of the stomach and intestines. This procedure leads to reduced food intake and decreased nutrient absorption, resulting in significant weight loss. Patients who choose a gastric bypass typically see a 50-80% reduction in their initial body weight.
OZEMPIC VS. BARIATRIC SURGERY-While Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonist medications have shown impressive weight loss results, they still fall short compared to the outcomes of bariatric surgery. Both sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass result in significantly greater weight loss, with patients losing 2-3 times more weight on average than those using Ozempic. Bariatric surgery has demonstrated consistent health benefits, such as reversal of co-morbidities and other obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes. These benefits have not been conclusively proven in the medication-only method.
SIDE EFFECTS & COST -The use of Ozempic may cause temporary side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. However, the long-term safety of Ozempic in weight management has been studied for only two years, and further research is needed to understand its long-term effects. Another aspect to consider when comparing Ozempic and bariatric surgery is the cost. Bariatric surgery is a one-time expense, and many insurance plans may cover the procedure if the patient meets specific criteria. Ozempic’s monthly cost is around $1,000. Long-term use of this medication can quickly accumulate, making it a more expensive option than surgery.
